Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
August 24, 2026
Lake Yamanaka is the largest and highest of the Fuji Five Lakes, and is a popular spot for its spectacular view of Mount Fuji reflected in the water. This time, we'll introduce the latest day trip travel guide for travelers visiting from Hong Kong and Taiwan, covering everything from access to Lake Yamanaka, must-see spots, and recommended accommodations, to luxury lakeside stays from Shinjuku, Tokyo.
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While Lake Kawaguchi is a bustling tourist destination, Lake Yamanaka is appealing for its more spacious and tranquil atmosphere.
Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, at an altitude of approximately 981m, it is known as the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes. Due to its wide surface area, on clear days you can enjoy the beautiful reflection of Mount Fuji on the water's surface, known as "inverted Fuji," without any obstructions.
A day trip to Lake Yamanaka is especially recommended for families, couples, and those who enjoy photography.
Furthermore, the scenery changes with the seasons. You can enjoy different views throughout the year, such as sunflower fields in summer, autumn leaves and Mount Fuji reflected on the lake, and snow-covered Mount Fuji in winter. You can spend a relaxing day enjoying activities like lakeside cycling, swan boating, and hot springs.
| Comparison | Lake Yamanaka | Lake Kawaguchi |
|---|---|---|
| Lake size | The largest of Fuji Five Lakes | 2nd place in Fuji Five Lakes |
| View of Mount Fuji | The open space offers a beautiful view of the inverted Mount Fuji. | There are many tourist attractions and the cable car is popular. |
| atmosphere | Relaxing resort atmosphere | Many tourists and convenient transportation |
| Recommended | Photography, cycling, and summer retreats. | First-time Mount Fuji sightseeing, shopping, and museum visits |
| Representative Spot | Lakeside cycling, swan boating, flower fields | Ropeway, sightseeing boat, art museum |
Lake Yamanaka is accessible from Tokyo in about 2 to 2.5 hours.
The main modes of transportation are express buses, trains, and cars.
There is a direct express bus service from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Lake Yamanaka operated by Fujikyu Railway.
Duration: Approximately 2 hour 20 minutes
The train makes stops at Fujisan Station and Kawaguchiko Station along the way. You can enjoy the scenery of the mountains along the Chuo Expressway, and the early morning service on holidays is perfect for a day trip.
Fujikyu Railway Official Website
https://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/
Take the JR Chuo Line Limited Express "Azusa" or "Fuji Kaiyu" to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to Fujisan Station. After that, take a local bus to Lake Yamanaka.
This is recommended for those using the JR Pass, and for travelers who want to visit Fujiyoshida and Kawaguchiko as well.
https://yamanakako.info/access.php
Renting a car is the most convenient way to freely explore the area around Lake Yamanaka.
You can access it by taking the Chuo Expressway from Tokyo and getting off at the Yamanakako Interchange.
There are plenty of parking lots around the lake, so you can stop wherever you like and enjoy taking pictures.
Taiwanese citizens should remember to bring their driver's license with a Japanese translation, and Hong Kong citizens should bring their international driver's license. In winter, be sure to pay attention to the road conditions and use snow tires.
Here are some recommended spots to visit once you arrive at Lake Yamanaka.
This is a popular spot for photographing the reflection of Mount Fuji in the sky.
On calm early mornings, the lake's surface becomes like a mirror, allowing for stunning photographs of Mount Fuji. It is also said to be the model for the composition of Mount Fuji depicted on Japanese banknotes.
Official information
https://lake-yamanakako.com/spot/10351
This is recommended for those who want to enjoy a flower field.
In spring, tulips bloom; in summer, sunflowers and zinnias; and in autumn, cosmos flowers are in full bloom, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery with Mount Fuji in the background.
The park also features a clear stream area, Myojin Falls, and a greenhouse, so you can enjoy it even on rainy days.
Official Website
https://www.hananomiyakokouen.jp
For those who want to enjoy the lake from a different perspective, we recommend the Swan Lake sightseeing boat or a swan boat.
The view of Mount Fuji from the middle of the lake is exceptional, making it a popular spot for families.
Swan Lake
https://www.yamanakako-yuransen.jp/
The Asahigaoka area is the center of transportation and dining for sightseeing around Lake Yamanaka.
From the grassy area by the lake, you can enjoy the view of Mount Fuji bathed in the setting sun.
With rental bicycles, bus stops, and restaurants all located in one area, it's a great starting point for sightseeing or a place to take a break.
Official Website
https://lake-yamanakako.com/spot/10352
It's about a 15-minute drive from Lake Yamanaka.
This scenic spot consists of eight spring-fed ponds formed by the groundwater of Mount Fuji, and is registered as a component of the World Cultural Heritage site "Mount Fuji".
The cycling road around Lake Yamanaka is approximately 13-14 km long.
There are many viewpoints along the way, allowing you to enjoy Mount Fuji from various angles.
There are many bicycle rental shops and hotels along the lakeshore, where you can rent everything from regular bicycles to electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes).
Summer is especially recommended because the early mornings and evenings are cooler, making it easier to photograph Mount Fuji when there are fewer clouds.
Official information
https://lake-yamanakako.com/feature/cycling
To cap off your day of fun, let's enjoy some delicious food from Lake Yamanaka.
You absolutely must try "houtou," a specialty of Yamanashi Prefecture.
This local dish features wide noodles simmered with pumpkin and root vegetables in a miso-based soup, providing a warming and satisfying meal.
Rainbow trout dishes and sweets inspired by Mount Fuji are also popular.
A visit to the area around Mt. Fuji offers not only stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the beautiful lake from various angles, but also the opportunity to discover Yamanashi's unique cuisine. From "houtou," a local dish beloved by residents for generations, to freshly fried tempura and popular, trendy restaurants, the area around Lake Kawaguchi boasts numerous establishments worth making a special trip for. So, let's introduce some of the local delicacies you should definitely try in Lake Kawaguchi!
Hoto is a representative local dish of Yamanashi Prefecture, a warm and flavorful dish made by simmering wide, flat udon noodles with pumpkin, vegetables, and miso. Lake Kawaguchi is located right in Yamanashi Prefecture, and many long-established restaurants specializing in hoto line the lakeshore. When visiting Lake Kawaguchi, almost everyone will recommend that you "absolutely must try hoto," making it a classic local delicacy. In particular, enjoying a piping hot bowl of pumpkin hoto in the cool air at the foot of Mt. Fuji will give you a warmth that is unique to Yamanashi.
Tempura is one of Japan's most representative dishes, made by coating ingredients in batter and deep-frying them, and it's an essential part of the cuisine around Lake Kawaguchi. Fuji Tempura Idaten, a popular local restaurant, is also appealing for its convenient location, just a 4-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. The generously portioned Fujisan Tendon (tempura rice bowl) is incredibly satisfying, with its crispy batter and flavorful ingredients in perfect harmony. It's a dish I wholeheartedly recommend!
For those who love hot springs, I recommend "Benifuji no Yu".
Soaking in a hot spring while gazing at Mount Fuji bathed in the setting sun will soothe away the fatigue from your cycling trip.
This is a luxury glamping resort located in the Yamanakako area of Yamanashi Prefecture. All guest rooms have access to natural hot springs, and guests can enjoy the majestic Mt. Fuji right in front of them, as well as a sky full of stars at night.
Furthermore, the resort is equipped with a large-screen theater and a private dog run. For meals, they offer a luxurious menu featuring local Yamanashi ingredients, such as sea bream acqua pazza and Koshu wine beef ribeye steak.
This luxury glamping facility boasts a superb location with panoramic views of Lake Yamanaka and Mount Fuji. Guests can also enjoy activities unique to Lake Yamanaka, such as lake cruises and fishing.
The facility includes two private saunas that can be rented for 90 minutes at a time. For dinner, you can enjoy a luxurious BBQ menu featuring plenty of local ingredients from Yamanashi Prefecture, such as fruits and wine, Koshu beef, pork, and horse sashimi.
Located in the Yamanakako area of Yamanashi Prefecture, approximately 90 minutes from central Tokyo, this luxury glamping facility offers a full range of amenities, including natural hot springs, private pools, barrel saunas, and campfires in every unit.
For meals, we offer authentic BBQ using ingredients from Yamanashi Prefecture, allowing you to enjoy luxurious local flavors such as Koshu beef steak and 14-day aged steak.
Lake Yamanaka is recommended for those who want to enjoy the vast scenery of Mount Fuji and go cycling.
Kawaguchiko is recommended for those who want to enjoy ropeways and art museums.
The two lakes are about a 30-minute drive apart, so if you have the time, you can visit both.
とてもおすすめです。
The lakeside is flat and easy to walk along, and there are activities for all ages to enjoy, such as electric bicycles, swan boats, Hananomiyako Park, and hot springs.
Staying overnight allows for a more relaxed sightseeing experience.
For those who want to enjoy both the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and a resort atmosphere at the same time, "piilo asobi & stay" is highly recommended.
The starry skies and tent saunas are also popular, and the resort receives high praise from travelers from Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Lake Yamanaka, the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, is a popular day-trip destination with a variety of attractions, including expansive views of Mount Fuji, beautiful cycling paths, flower fields that change with the seasons, and local cuisine.
Next time you visit Lake Yamanaka, why not stay at one of the luxury glamping accommodations, Private Villa Glamping Fuji KANOA FUJI YAMANAKAKO or TOTONOI Fuji Yamanakako, and enjoy an unforgettable holiday surrounded by the sunrise and sunset over Mt. Fuji and a sky full of stars?
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
